I cannot rate the place based on food or service, as I was unable to get inside. At 12:20, just after he opened, there was a couple standing outside the shop with a sign on the door that translated to “I can’t guide you.” So we left, and decided to come back later. At 17:01 there was a sign on the door which translates to “I can’t guide you.” I peaked inside the shop and the elderly man was behind bar. He made a X with his fingers to indicate no more customers. I think this is a phenomenon unique to Japan where single male proprietors run their businesses, not as a means of income, but as a hobby. It’s something that keeps them going. Something for them to do. It gives them purpose. Or, it may be plain ego and vanity that keeps them from hiring a helper. But, for me, when you are in the business of serving food to customers your first priority should be your customers—not your ego or your need to have something to do. We walked some distance to try your pancakes and your inability to serve earns you one ⭐️. Suggestion: If you get overwhelmed by customers, maybe it’s time to find a new hobby?

The crispy pancake was delicious, and the doneness was perfect!

so big hotcakes! taste is also gooood!

A student at Meiji University told me about it. The pancakes are simple but tasty. And the prices are cheap. Many low ratings concern the opening hours or service, but it seems an elderly man runs it alone, and it's an independent shop. I think the hours shown online or on social media probably aren't posted by the shop itself, and he probably closes when he gets tired lol. He's an old man, after all. It's close to the station, so I think it's best to approach it casually: make it your first stop, and if it doesn't work out, just go somewhere else. I got in without any trouble on Sunday evening, though. As for the old man's service, well, considering his age, I don't think it's that bad.

A long-established coffee shop about a 4,5-minute walk from Meidaimae. It's open until 20:00, so I dropped in around 18:00 on a day off. The interior really feels like an old-fashioned coffee shop—retro and relaxing. The background music is at just the right volume, almost making me fall asleep. The owner also really feels like the owner of a long-established coffee shop. There are a few counter seats and table seats. The thick hotcakes called Meidaimae-yaki seem to be their specialty. I was about to have a meal that day, so I didn't try them, but I'll give them a go next time. They also have various light meals such as pasta, omurice, and hayashi rice, so it looks suitable for lunch too. There are drinks besides coffee and tea as well. I had a hot blend coffee. It was a coffee with restrained bitterness, acidity, and umami.

+3